Child Care Resource & Referral Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920 Local Phone: 217-581-6698 Toll Free: 800-545-7439 Fax: 217-581-7084 Email:tlduzan@eiu.edu Office: 1325 Klehm Hall Hours: M-F, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Quality Indicators
The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies has published a checklist for families based on 38 research-based indicators of high-quality child care. The checklist will assist you in your search for a high-quality child care program. Listed below are just a few sample questions from the checklist. After observing the program, your ideal answer would be "yes" to the following questions.
Are children watched at all times, including when they are sleeping? If your child is supervised at all times he or she is less likely to be injured, as well as more likely to be engaged in activities that promote learning. It is especially important that caregivers check on infants while they are sleeping because of the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also, if adults closely supervise children outdoors, children are less likely to be injured.
Does the director have a degree and some experience in caring for children? Staff education is the best predictor of the quality of an early childhood program. Adults with training in early childhood education provide higher quality programs for your child, implement more appropriate activities, and do a better job of preparing your child for school.
Is the play space organized and are materials easy-to-use? If the play areas are organized and orderly your child will be able to make choices about what materials to play with and will be able to put toys away after playing with them. Materials should be organized by type on shelves or in containers. If shelves and containers are labeled with a picture or drawing of the materials it is easier for children to know where they belong.
Are diaper changing surfaces cleaned and disinfected after each use? Germs can be passed easily among children, particularly at the diaper-changing table. Cleaning and disinfecting the diaper-changing surface after each change reduces the chance that germs will be transmitted and your child will get sick.
Are cleaning supplies and other poisonous materials locked up, out of children’s reach? Accidental poisoning is a leading cause of injury and death among young children. Many cleaning supplies are poisonous when ingested in any amount. Storing all hazardous substances out of reach will ensure your child is not harmed.
Are parents and staff asked to evaluate the program? Child care programs should regularly seek ways to improve the quality of the care they offer. Asking parents and staff for feedback and using the results to make improvements shows the program is responsive to your and other parents' input.
Will I be welcome any time my child is in care? As a parent you should always feel welcome in the program. You should always have access to your child and where they are receiving care at any time. Programs may recommend that you not visit during rest time or other specific times, but you should be able to visit during those times if you choose to do so.
